SPECIFICATIONS FOR WEDGE CONNECTORS

(1) Wedge connector should be FIRED - ON or powder actuated

only.

(2) The power booster should be colour coded for proper installation
of the wedge connectors.

(3) Wedge connector members - taperd 'C' shaped spring member

and wedge should be made from special aluminium alloy of high
ductility and electrical conductivity . When installed, it will provide
a tenable electrical and mechanical connection for solid or
stranded conductor combination including ACSR conductor.

(4) The dimensions for the wedge shall be manufactured to close

tolerances to ensure repeatability and reliability of the connection.

(5) All sharp edges and burrs shall be removed.

(6) The wedges shall be burnished to achieve optimum surface

roughness for electrical contact.

(7) The wedge connector shall meet the current cycle test
requirements as per ANSI, C 119.4-1998 Class AA. When
connected as specified, samples shall indicate electrical stability
for terminated connectors. The resistance of connection, when
measured as specified shall be stable through out test. The
samples shall be tested to 500 on/off current cycles with the
control conductor raised between 175 C to 180 C above ambient.

(8) The wedge connector shall meet the mechanical requirements as

per ANSI C 119.4-1998 Class 3, minimum tension. When tested
as specified or 5% of the rated cable strength of the weaker
conductor.

(9) The wedge connector shall meet the following thermal shock / salt
spray test.

a) Hours at 150 C.
b) 15 minutes at 0 C water, immediately from the oven
c) 30 minutes at 150 C.
d) 20.75 hours at room temperature

(10) Salt spray corrosion, samples shall be subjected to a 30 day salt

spray corrosion test. Each daily exposure shall consist of:

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 a) 15 hours in 5% salt spray atmosphere
b) 1 hour in drying over at 100 C.
c) 8 hours at room temperature.

(11) During installation, the wedge of wedge tap shall be driven inside
the "C" member at high velocity between the run & tap conductor
so as to spread the "C" member to ensure high retentive force on
the conductors. A locking tab, formed balance on the tool should
prevent the wedge from loosening once it has been driven into
position.

(12) The wedge terminal shall have back up conductor cleaning

capability during application. The Wedge Terminals should
ensure stable & low contact resistance under varying load
conditions & the thermal cycling effects.

(13) An oxide inhibiting compound placed in the wedge & "C" member
groove of Wedge Terminals.

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